A drug currently being used to treat the HIV virus has been approved as the first drug to actually prevent it, and news of the breakthrough spread quickly in Baltimore.In the shadows of Johns Hopkins Hospital, it's not too hard to find someone living with HIV, 11 News I-Team reporter Deborah Weiner said."They told me I'd be dead in seven years, but through the grace of God, it's been 22 years," said an HIV-positive man who identified himself as Charles.Charles said he heard the news about Truvada, the first drug the Food and Drug Administration has approved to prevent the HIV infection, which has hit cities like Baltimore hard. Charles said he's lost 10 family members and friends to the epidemic.A three-year study found that daily doses of Truvada cut the risk of infection in healthy gay and bisexual men by 42 percent when accompanied by condoms and counseling."It is the first drug that we have ever approved for prevention of the HIV infection, and it crystallizes the emphasis on that facet of that medical challenge," said Dr. John Bartlett, the chief of infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins Hospital and a renowned authority on AIDS and HIV.But, like others, Bartlett said he worries that a prevention drug may create a false sense of security."I think it will add a measure of confidence to some people who are practicing high-risk behavior," he said.Truvada is supposed to be taken daily in combination with safe-sex practices. Bartlett said he also worries about the long-term toxicity of the drug and its cost, but he said he does see its approval as a milestone.Though many in cities like Baltimore are waiting for a game-changer when it comes to HIV and AIDS, it's unclear if the development will be that.

BALTIMORE —

A drug currently being used to treat the HIV virus has been approved as the first drug to actually prevent it, and news of the breakthrough spread quickly in Baltimore.

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"They told me I'd be dead in seven years, but through the grace of God, it's been 22 years," said an HIV-positive man who identified himself as Charles.

Charles said he heard the news about Truvada, the first drug the Food and Drug Administration has approved to prevent the HIV infection, which has hit cities like Baltimore hard. Charles said he's lost 10 family members and friends to the epidemic.

A three-year study found that daily doses of Truvada cut the risk of infection in healthy gay and bisexual men by 42 percent when accompanied by condoms and counseling.

"It is the first drug that we have ever approved for prevention of the HIV infection, and it crystallizes the emphasis on that facet of that medical challenge," said Dr. John Bartlett, the chief of infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins Hospital and a renowned authority on AIDS and HIV.

But, like others, Bartlett said he worries that a prevention drug may create a false sense of security.

"I think it will add a measure of confidence to some people who are practicing high-risk behavior," he said.

Truvada is supposed to be taken daily in combination with safe-sex practices. Bartlett said he also worries about the long-term toxicity of the drug and its cost, but he said he does see its approval as a milestone.

Though many in cities like Baltimore are waiting for a game-changer when it comes to HIV and AIDS, it's unclear if the development will be that.